South Frontenac Councillor Charlene Godfrey Resigns

Jeff Green | Jan 10, 2024

Charlene Godfrey, who was one of two first term councillors elected from the Bedford District of South Frontenac, tendered her resignation in late December.
The resignation was formally received by Council at their year end meeting on December 21.
Godfrey served for just over a year, having been elected in the fall of 2022.
The resignation was unexpected, and as part of her duties Godfrey represented South Frontenac a few days earlier, on December 15, at the opening of a new bridge on the K&P Trail at Elbow Creek, which is located in Bedford. At the time she said she was about to retire from her position as a member of the Frontenac County IT department and was looking forward to the next three years on council.
In an email to the News this week, she thanked the township and her constituents.
“I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to run for, and be elected to South Frontenac Township Council. I thank each and every one who voted and supported me during elections and as councillor of our amazing township.
“I thoroughly enjoyed serving the residents of South Frontenac Township and my fellow councillors and staff all work together as a cohesive team to keep our community an amazing place to work, live and play.”
She said that she decided to resign “after 1 year of service due to my personal circumstances, which have unexpectedly changed and I must step back at this time. It has been my pleasure to be a part of and serve such an amazing caring community.”
While Council received notification from Godfrey effective December 19, a formal declaration of vacancy did not take place at that time, but was slated to take place at the council meeting scheduled for January 9.
In a media release, the township outlined its options regarding the position.
“As per Section 263 of the Municipal Act, within sixty days after Council has declared the seat vacant, the Act requires Council to fill the vacancy by appointing a person who has consented to accept the office, or pass a by-law requiring a by-election be held to fill the vacancy.”
The last time there was a vacancy on council due to a resignation, it was also from Bedford, upon the death of Pat Barr in 2021. At that time, with one year remaining in the term of council, an election was not held. John McDougall, a former two-term councillor from neighbouring Portland District, was appointed to serve out the term.
In the election that took place in October, 2022, there were four Bedford candidates.
Charlene Godfrey finished second with 497 votes, behind Steve Pegrum, who received 622 votes.
The third placed candidate was Adam Turcotte, with 371 votes, and Nathan Hannah received 202 votes.